Archive — US — techcrunch
Meet Ponte Labor, a startup matching Hispanic immigrants to jobs using WhatsApp
Ponte Labor, co-founded by Colombian immigrants Stephanie Murra and Lorenza Vélez, addresses the job placement challenges faced by Hispanic immigrants in the U.S. by using WhatsApp to connect them with employers in hospitality and other sectors. Launched in 2023, the platform has onboarded over 60,000 candidates and raised $3 million in funding, aiming to help immigrants achieve professional success while tackling labor shortages.
Key points
- Ponte Labor was founded in April 2023 by Murra and Vélez during their MBA at Harvard.
- Both founders noticed Hispanic immigrants faced challenges finding jobs due to language barriers.
- Traditional job boards were not serving these immigrants effectively.
- Ponte connects Hispanic immigrants directly with employers, avoiding staffing agencies.
- The platform uses AI for pre-vetting candidates via WhatsApp and voice interviews.
- Since launching, Ponte has grown significantly, onboarding over 60,000 candidates and placing nearly 800 workers.
- Ponte's revenue model charges employers a fee based on the worker's salary.
- The company aims to support workers by helping them learn English and grow within their roles.
Why it matters
- Ponte addresses a significant labor shortage in the U.S. hospitality sector, exacerbated post-pandemic.
- The startup aligns with trends of increased reliance on messaging apps like WhatsApp for communication.
- Hispanic immigrants make up a significant portion of the U.S. foreign-born labor force, highlighting the need for targeted solutions.
- The rise of AI and technology in recruitment reflects broader trends in how businesses are adopting innovative hiring practices.
Ponte Labor is rapidly establishing itself as a vital link between Hispanic immigrants and job opportunities, leveraging technology and community trust to help address labor shortages in key industries, making a significant social impact in the process.